Pupil Premium & Free School Meals

Pupil Premium targets additional money at pupils from the most deprived background to help them achieve their full potential.

Eligibility for the Pupil Premium has been extended to pupils who have been eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last 6 years. As a group, these children nationally have consistently lower attainment than those who have never been eligible for FSM.

Schools have been given the freedom to spend the Pupil Premium, which is additional to the underlying school budget, in a way they think will best support improving the achievement of these vulnerable pupils.

Pupil Premium is also provided for children in care who have been looked after for more than six months, recognising that they need additional support to help them raise their educational achievement. It is also provided for children of parents in the armed services.

Who is eligible for free school meals?

You can apply for free school meals if you receive any of the following benefits:

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The Guarantee element of the State Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit, (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of £16,190 or less)

Working Tax Credit 'run-on' (the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)